NPORS Slinger Signaller (N402) - Novice

Essential Training for Operatives in Load Slinging Operations

What is a NPORS Slinger Signaller Course?

The NPORS Slinger Signaller course is a comprehensive training program designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for safe and efficient load management using various types of lifting equipment, such as cranes and hoists.

Ideal for those looking to start a career in the lifting industry, this course certifies participants to handle and communicate effectively in operations involving the attachment of loads, signalling to crane operators, and safely navigating loads around the worksite.

Upon successful completion, participants are awarded an NPORS certification, or slinger ticket, which validates their capability to perform as a Slinger Signaller safely and effectively. This certification is recognised across key industries including construction, manufacturing, and logistics, marking a significant step for those aiming to establish themselves in these sectors.

Course Content

What can I expect from the NPORS Signaller Slinger course?

The NPORS Slinger Signaller course is designed to provide participants with a thorough understanding and practical skills in a range of areas critical to effective slinging and signalling operations:

Industry Awareness: Gain a foundational understanding of the industry, recognise the inherent dangers, and understand the responsibilities of a Slinger/Signaller.
Compliance with Standards: Learn to adhere to manufacturers' specifications per technical data, and comply with relevant regulations and legislation.
Equipment Knowledge: Identify and explain various types of lifting equipment and accessories, their construction, uses, applications, and functions.
Documentation Skills: Develop the ability to interpret and extract information from all relevant documentation.
Pre-use Checks: Perform pre-use inspections on non-specialist lifting accessories and identify items that are not serviceable.
Safety Procedures: Learn the procedures for marking non-serviceable items out-of-service.
Load Calculations: Understand how to identify centres of gravity and calculate the estimated weights of loads.
Safety Zones: Set up exclusion zones, plan for emergency actions, and identify overhead hazards.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Identify and maintain appropriate PPE for use as a Slinger/Signaller.
Load Security: Secure various types of loads to a hook using the appropriate lifting accessories and procedures to ensure balance, security, and integrity of the load.
Load Movement: Direct and guide the movement of loads to various locations using different communication methods.
Environmental Considerations: Recognise and address environmental considerations related to lifting operations.
End-of-Service Procedures: Execute out-of-service and securing procedures at the end of operations.

This course equips participants with the essential skills and knowledge to operate safely and effectively as a Slinger/Signaller, ensuring readiness for a variety of workplace scenarios.

Entry Requirements

Are there any entry requirements for the NPORS Slinger Signaller course?

Please note that all applicants must provide documentation supporting their application, including evidence of having passed the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test within the two years prior to their application. Additionally, candidates are required to show proficiency in both spoken and written English to ensure they can fully participate in and benefit from the course.

To address varying levels of experience, a learner analysis is typically performed to customise the duration of the training. Novices or those with limited experience will undergo extensive training, whereas experienced operators may choose to participate in a one-day Experienced Worker Assessment (Test Only).

Assessment

How is the NPORS Slinger Signaller course assessed?

The NPORS Slinger Signaller course is designed to confirm candidates' expertise in handling and signaling for lifting operations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of relevant health and safety regulations. The assessment process includes the following components:

Theory Assessment:

Written Exam: Learners are required to complete a written examination that tests their knowledge of slinging and signalling techniques, relevant health and safety legislation, and best practices in load management. The exam may include multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and scenario-based questions.
Verbal Questions: To enhance the evaluation, verbal questions may be employed to probe the learner’s understanding of specific topics or scenarios.

Practical Assessment:

Practical Demonstration: Learners must demonstrate their ability to effectively handle and signal during lifting operations. This includes conducting pre-operational checks, applying proper lifting and signalling techniques, and ensuring safety measures are in place.
Observation: An assessor observes the learners during practical tasks to verify that they follow correct procedures and exhibit the necessary skills and competencies.

Overall, the NPORS Slinger Signaller course provides a thorough and stringent assessment process, evaluating both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to ensure candidates are fully competent in managing and signalling lifting operations safely and efficiently.

Certification

Existing NPORS Card Holders Without (S)NVQ:

Operators without the necessary (S)NVQ qualifications will receive a Trained Operator card, valid for two years. Within this timeframe, they are obliged to enrol in and complete the relevant (S)NVQ for the categories of plant equipment listed on their card.

Existing NPORS Card Holders With (S)NVQ:

Operators who possess the appropriate (S)NVQ qualifications will be issued a Competent Operator card, valid for five years. They will also be provided with a CPD record/operator logbook, which serves to document their continuous professional development and operational hours in the workplace.

FAQs

Available training dates

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FAQs

How much is a slinger ticket?

The cost of obtaining a slinger ticket, such as the one offered through the NPORS Slinger Signaller course, can vary based on several factors:

Training Provider: Different training centres might offer varying pricing depending on their facilities, the quality of instruction, and included materials.
Course Length and Type: Prices differ for novice, experienced operator, or refresher courses. Novice courses are typically more comprehensive and therefore might be more expensive.
Location: The cost of the course can also vary depending on where it is offered. Training in urban centres might be more expensive due to higher operational costs.
Group Training: Some training providers might offer discounts for group bookings, which can be beneficial if enrolling multiple participants at once.

As a rough estimate, the cost for a slinger signaller course might range from £300 to £1000. Novice courses, which generally last longer to provide thorough training, tend to be at the higher end of this range, while shorter refresher or experienced operator courses might cost less.

For the most accurate and current pricing, use our online search tool to compare the costs of courses available in your area.

How much does a Slinger earn in the UK?

The salary for a Slinger Signaller in the UK can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the type of industry in which they are employed. On average, a Slinger Signaller might expect to earn:

Starting Salary: Entry-level positions typically start at around £20,000 to £25,000 per year.
Average Salary: With some experience, the average salary can range from £25,000 to £35,000 annually.
Experienced Salary: For those with extensive experience or specialised skills in complex projects, salaries can exceed £35,000, sometimes approaching £40,000 or more, especially in areas with high demand or in specialised sectors.

Additionally, factors like overtime, shift differentials, and the specific demands of the job site (such as working offshore or in hazardous environments) can significantly increase earnings.

Can a Slinger be a Banksman?

Yes, a Slinger can also be a Banksman.

In many construction and industrial settings, especially on smaller sites, the roles of slinger and banksman are frequently merged into one position. This unified role, commonly known as "Slinger/Banksman," encompasses both the coordination of load lifting and movement using cranes or other lifting equipment, and the management of vehicle movement to ensure safety throughout the worksite.

Responsibilities of a Slinger/Banksman:

Slinging: Selecting the appropriate lifting accessories, attaching loads securely, and ensuring that loads are safe for lifting.
Signalling: Communicating with crane operators and other machinery drivers using hand signals, radio communication, or other agreed methods to ensure precise and safe operations.
Banksman Duties: Managing the movement of vehicles and mobile plant equipment, ensuring that they are directed safely around the site to prevent accidents with pedestrians and other obstacles.

Training for this combined role includes learning both the skills of a slinger and those of a banksman, covering safe lifting operations, load control, and vehicle movement. Certification in both disciplines ensures that the individual is competent to handle the responsibilities of managing lifting operations and directing vehicles safely, enhancing their versatility and value on the job site.